Changing differential fluid - A step by step "HOW TO"

I need to start doing mine more often. The first 38k it looked great and no metal...last 40k not so much

 

Well today I did this for the first time (@ 48k ) The rear diff oil wasn't bad, but it did have a bunch of metallic powder on the magnet. It took 3 quarts easy, without me having to stop and wait, or drive the truck around to circulate it.

I also changed my xfer case oil, which looked brand new when I drained it...far less used than the rear diff. I will change the front diff tomorrow.

Thanks for the write-up!

P.s. I followed chris4x4's spark plug write-up this morning and it went extremely smooth! thanks for that write-up as well. Saved me a ton of cash!

 

Hey guys .. sorry for the ignorance. Not sure if my truck has a LSD and if I need the additive? I was planning on using the mobil 1

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 LS, but the more I read the more people seem to have chatter with the synthetic. I am now thinking of just using dino 75w90 or 85w-90 without any type of LS or Limited Slip mention, just straight 75w-90 or 85w-90.. So, do I need the extra 4oz additive?

2011 4x4 TRD Sport LB

I think whats confusing me about the additive is that the first post has a note saying "all 2009 and newer do not need the additive" but then goes on to say that he has a Sport model so he needs it (and his sig says he has a 2010).

 

You do not need the additive.

For a recap:
2009+ models do not need the LSD additive. You have the AUTO LSD which is a 'brake actuated' Limited slip.

2005-2008 Sport models have the mechanical LSD with clutch paks inside the rear differential.

For anyone else, if you are unsure - crawl underneath your truck and look at your rear differential. If you have the mechanical LSD, you will see a sticker on the rear diff that looks like this (below). If you have this sticker - you NEED LSD additive / friction modififer.

 

Awesome! Thank you. Also, I can use the same

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 or 85w-90 for the front diff, transfer case, and tranny .. right?

 

You have an Automatic?? Your automatic transmission doesn't need servicing until 100,000 - and uses different fluid.

Check your owners manual for proper oil information. That may vary depending on where you live and your driving conditions.

 

Just got my rear differential oil changed this morning. Thank you very much for the write-up and all of the other guidance. I put in a little over 3 quarts of Mobil 1

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90.

The only problem I had was a tiny speck of the seal over the gear oil fell into my new bottle of oil and I couldn't get it out. Hope it won't give me any problems!

Thanks again

 

I just changed mine at 45,000 miles. The gear oil that came out was nice and clean, with very little residue on the plug magnet. It took exactly 3 quarts to refill; I used Valvoline 75-90W. Mine's an '09, so from what I've read here, I don't need the LSD additive although my truck has one.

Only thing I would mention (sorry if it's been brought up already), but the OP said to torque the plugs to 36 ft -lbs. That's way too tight, just a little past snug will do it.

 

Didn't Toyota change the recommended mileage to 60,000 for tranny?

 

Did my rear today. Oil was dark for sure. Some junk on the magnet. Put in 3qts. Manual states 3.12. Only had 3qts. When I do the front and tc, i will add in the rest. All i can smell us gear oil lol.

 

29 ft lbs front
36 ft lbs rear

per toyota Use your best judgement, I always just snug mine. That's something you have to have a feel for though so if not toyota specs ^

 

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Now that I have my first 4x4 in a long time ... this "pictorial DIY thread" will come in very handy ... thanks to the OP for posting it.
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I believe it's 60,000 or 72 months if you do any towing. Even if you don't tow i'd still do it way before 100,000 miles. I go by the months...(light towing and don't drive much.) I do a drain and fill every 5 years which comes out to around every 20,000 miles.

 

... ^^^ ... Informative "hyperlinks" in your signature ... learned something new today. ...
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i know this is a super big thread, so sorry if this has been answered before, but I have a 2006 with lsd, if i use this gear oil that says limited slip, do i need the additional lsd additive, if it doesn't need it, does it hurt to add it?

 

No 'additional lubricant' needed.. Friction additive maybe?

 

sorry yea, i meant the lsd additive (friction additive), even if it says limited slip already, i should still add the additive?

 

It's advisable to change it at 5 years / 60k, i.e. just before the powertrain warranty expires. That way, if any problems arise after the fluid change, you still have coverage.

 

Not necessary. The tolerance for fluid level per service manual is +/- 5 mm. The oil also expands when heated. You won't notice any problems unless the fluid level is way below the fill port.

 

i think i saw on page 3, that chris4x4 changed his cold so that less oil in the member, but would hot be better, so it is more viscous and drains out more?